Mountain biking is trending, and every day we see more new cyclists encouraged to head out and ride on forest trails with their mountain bikes.

The feeling of freedom that a mountain bike provides is making many people want to head out and ride through beautiful landscapes. If you are one of them and want your first mountain biking experience to be a good one, we are going to offer a series of recommendations.

The bicycle

If you want a great mountain biking experience, it is important that the bike you use is in good condition, has good mountain bike tires, brakes that stop you, and that the bike is your correct size.

A bike in poor condition or one that isn't your size can turn your first riding experience into a nightmare. Also, don't rule out electric bikes, which are a great idea for gradually building up your fitness and helping us get into mountain biking.

The equipment

It is very important to be well-equipped for mountain biking. First, a good pair of cycling shorts so the saddle doesn't hurt, a bike helmet to protect us in case of a fall, cycling gloves to prevent hand injuries or calluses, and it is very important to carry water and food with us. For this, we can use hydration waist packs or hydration backpacks, both designed to be used on the bike comfortably.

The route

It is very important to choose the route we are going to take, adapting it to our physical and technical capabilities. If it is your first time using a mountain bike, go accompanied by someone who has some experience and choose a mountain bike route along wide forest tracks or greenways, and avoid bike routes with too much elevation gain.

Protect yourself from the sun

When we ride a bike, we are very exposed to the sun's rays, especially our legs, arms, and face. It is highly recommended to apply sunscreen before going out to ride. It is important to know that you shouldn't apply it to your forehead to prevent it from getting into your eyes and stinging when you start to sweat.

Enjoy the scenery

It is important to remember that you are not in a race; pedal at your own pace and stop to take photos of the landscape where you can be seen with your bike. Collect moments and experiences during your MTB route.

Stretching

After playing sports, you should always dedicate a few minutes to stretching, and cycling is no exception. Once at home, it is time to stretch your quadriceps, calves, arms, and shoulders, finishing with your back. You can see various stretching exercises in this YouTube video.